The effect of long-term omeprazole on the glucose-hydrogen breath test in elderly patients

Abstract

Objective: to test whether omeprazole taken for longer than 1 month causes an increase in the rate of small bowel bacterial overgrowth in elderly subjects. Subjects: 44 elderly people, 22 taking omeprazole, 22 not taking omeprazole or H2 receptor antagonists. Main outcome measures: rate of positive glucose-hydrogen breath tests; anthropometric measures and blood tests reflecting malabsorption. Results: there was no difference in the rate of positive tests between those taking omeprazole (45%) and those not taking it (59%). The omeprazole group had significantly lower serum albumin concentrations. There was no difference in body mass index, mid-arm circumference, arm fold thickness, adjusted calcium concentration or haemoglobin levels. Conclusions: omeprazole does not cause increased bacterial small bowel overgrowth in elderly subjects.